Ramped vs non ramped 1911 barrels?

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#1

I never really paid much attention to this but it seems to be a common topic among 1911 shooters. One opinion is that .45 acp is better off with non ramped barrels while the higher pressure rounds like .40 S&W, .357 sig and 10mm should be used with ramped barrels. Ive read that there are sometimes reliability issues with .45 acp through ramped barrels, any truth to this?

  • I prefer a ramped barrel
  • I prefer a non ramped barrel
  • Ramped barrel for high pressure rounds only
  • Im not into antiques

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Glock vs 1911 2020
#2

If the round in question has to jump from the magazine to the chamber more than 50% of the cartridges diameter, then yes I would prefer a ramp. However if the jump from magazine to chamber is less than 50% of the diameter of the cartridge than no ramp needed.

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#3

A major drawback to using a ramped barrel is the machining required to the frame.
Machining is always chancy, many a frame has been ruined in the attempt.

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#4

Old thread, but I want to ask this related question. Any feedback (good or bad) on ramped .45 barrels? I know that’s not the design that Lord Browning came up with, but I’m looking at this frame that has the feature combo that I haven’t found in steel (fullsized bobtail with rail) and I think a ramped barrel would be better for longevity using an aluminum frame. They sell 2 versions, .45 and 9mm (.45 frame is ramped, 9mm frame is C/P cut).

Is Kimber using ramped barrels in their LW models?

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#5

My Kimber Ultra Carry has a regular 1911 barrel. My Paraordance P14Ltd has a ramped barrel.

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